A very common question young actors and their parents often ask is: “How do you get auditions for Disney Channel?”
For three years, my daughter was in a comedy and improv group called Giggle Gaggle. They had class and put on shows each week.
Not only was it fun, but it was great experience and training. It helped prepare her for Disney auditions as well as other auditions.
While in this group, she had the opportunity to do comedy and improv on stage with David Henrie, star of Wizards of Waverly Place, and Sammi Hanratty, recurring guest-star on That’s So Raven and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. We now enjoy seeing them on the Disney Channel regularly.
So, exactly how do you get those coveted Disney auditions, and even more, land those career-launching jobs like your favorite Disney stars did? While there are no magical answers to this question, there are things that you can do to increase your child’s chances of auditioning for Disney.
The most common way to get auditions for Disney Channel or Disney movies is to first get an agent.
While this really is the best way to get auditions for Disney, it is not the only way.
The following are some things that may help your child get auditions for Disney Channel:
- Submit your child for Disney projects on self-submission casting sites.
- Watch for and attend open calls in your area for Disney projects.
- Attend workshops, classes, or seminars with Disney casting directors.
- Try to get extra work on Disney projects.
- Take part in showcases where Disney Casting Directors may be in attendance.
- Participate in comedy/improv groups where there may be referrals or visitors.
Is it any wonder that so many children and teens want to be on Disney Channel or in a Disney movie? After all, there is, and always has been, something magical about anything Disney.
And it is certainly exciting to imagine achieving the fame and fortune of Hillary Duff (Lizzie McGuire) or Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana). But it is also important to understand that most Disney stars did not achieve that stardom overnight. It took a lot of hard work!
Now that you have a list of things to do to try to get Disney auditions, you may wonder where to start in accomplishing those tasks.
First of all, how do you go about doing self-submissions for Disney projects? You need to join some online casting sites where auditions for Disney projects may be found and create a profile for your child on those sites.
The two most recommended casting sites where many legitimate audition postings are found are Casting Networks and Actors Access. These are the sites most often used by actors and their parents to view and submit for auditions.
I noticed several audition postings for Disney on the Casting Networks and Actors Access sites just this morning. For example, there is a posting for an advertisement for Radio Disney.
Keep in mind that most of the auditions listed on Casting Networks and Actors Access are located near big acting markets (e.g., LA, New York, Miami, …). Depending on your location and where the casting sessions are held, you might have to travel a long way to get to auditions and jobs at your own expense.
Sometimes there will be casting sessions at various locations (typically in fairly large cities) around the country, but they are less common.
There are a number of other sites that also have audition postings for actors with or without representation. Some of these sites may make the opportunities sound better than they are, so use caution and do your research before paying money to sign up on these sites.
One very important thing to keep in mind is to never pay money to audition for any jobs!
Sometimes there are open calls for Disney projects. I’ve recently heard about an open call in the LA Area which you can view along with other Disney acting auditions I’ve found in my Disney Acting Auditions section. Just be prepared when you go to an open call for the reality that there will be many people there, you may have to wait a very long time, and you may not be seen at all.
That is why we sometimes not so affectionately call these open calls cattle calls. So if you go to one, be careful and don’t get trampled!
There are casting directors who sometimes cast for Disney that do classes, workshops, and seminars. While many of these are in the L.A. and New York areas, sometimes they are held at various locations around the country.
If you keep your eyes and ears open, you might learn about one of these workshops or seminars to attend. Keep at mind that going to these in no way guarantees you any jobs or even any auditions for Disney. It can, in certain cases, increase your chances for a Disney audition or job though.
You can always watch out for calls for extras for Disney projects. You can sign up for extra work on various casting sites and watch for projects that are filming near you that might have calls for extras.
Being an extra on a Disney tv show can be fun, and in rare cases, if you grab the attention of the director, you might end up with an unscripted line or slightly bigger part than just an extra.
Showcases are sometimes held after an acting class completes to allow the class participants the chance to do scenes and/or monologues for industry guests. The invited guests for showcases might include casting directors who cast for Disney.
If this is something you are interested in, inquire about this before signing up for an acting class. But also understand that in this business there are typically no guarantees. Even if industry guests are invited to showcases, they may not attend due to other commitments.
Your child can take various comedy and improv classes. Sometimes the teachers have industry contacts such as Disney casting directors, producers, or directors and may invite them to guest-teach a class or to come in and watch the shows.
A casting director for a Disney project may call and ask for referrals from these classes and shows as well.
Watch in my upcoming posts for more on the topic of getting auditions for Disney Channel. I’ll also discuss that very important topic, how to get an agent or manager — which really is the best way to get Disney Channel auditions.
Also, be sure to sign up for Your Young Actor’s Newsletter to get more in-depth information on getting auditions for Disney Channel as well as on many other topics of interest for you and your young actor.
193 comments
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Kyleigh Roberts
July 19, 2009 at 5:16 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi my name is Kyleigh and I want to be an actress on disney I have always wanted to be an actress on disney and I want to know how I can become one I do not have an agent but I would be a great actress and maybe singer so if you could e-mail me at clover_girly91@yahoo.com that would be great!!
tatianna
July 28, 2009 at 9:39 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hello my name is tatianna and i really want to be an actress i dont have an agent or anything like that.to be an actress were can i start if you can please email me on how to that will be awsome 😆
lamia
August 5, 2009 at 4:59 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi my name is lamia saeid i dont have a agent but i really want to be an actor so please email me at thanx
renee
September 14, 2009 at 12:28 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
so i dont know how to get an agent can you email me back and say an easyer way for me to become a disney star
lisa
September 15, 2009 at 2:15 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
my name is lisa and i wouid love to become an actor in disney please help me be a actor 😥
Natalie
October 1, 2009 at 8:04 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
😛 Hiya! My name is Natalie, I am 12 and I live in England. I SOOOOOOO want to become an actress,so please help me!!!! 🙄
Natalie
October 1, 2009 at 8:04 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
nattythecatty@hotmail.co.uk email me, if you can help!!!
Danielle
October 27, 2009 at 4:51 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi im danielle, im 12 years old and i really want to become an actress but the thing is i live in england but i would do anything to become an actress, and i would love to act on disney channel and i dont have an agent, email me anyway thanking you loads
xx
natlie
November 27, 2009 at 2:52 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
im an actress im happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nina
December 7, 2009 at 5:22 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi i’m nina and i wanna become and actress sooo badly. I’m 11 yrs. old. In fact, its been my life’s dream. If you could give my a email i wwould be really happy. Thanks!!!
katlyn
December 24, 2009 at 4:44 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
ive wanted to be a actress sence i was three. but ive had a hard time trying to become famous. maybe someone can help me!! even if i start as a extra. i want to be taped on camera. please
heather
December 30, 2009 at 10:01 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi my name is heather.i am 13 years old. ive been wanting to become a disney channel actress since i was little and i have since pleas can you email me. i live in england and i really want to become an actress! so can you please help me 😀
SHALINI 13yrs old
January 5, 2010 at 11:18 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi my names shalini. I wanted to do acting for years. Ive done modleing before with the group called COAST TO COAST and im in magizines and babydoll boxes. All my friends and familly say i should do acting because im not shy and they say im funny. For school i had to make a video project and the teacher gave me more credit because i was the funniest and everyone else was sooo shy and boring. This is my one and only dream. Im a straight A student but i like acting more than school and cheer even though im on the highest cheer team Level 4 and just learned how to do backflips and frontflips on the ground so i really hope i can reach my goal and my one and only dream but i need your help ❗ .
Julie
January 7, 2010 at 8:40 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi!
I am a chinese girl, 13 years old and lives in Sweden.
Since I was a kid, my biggest dream have always been to be a singer. I always danced to those music videos and sang with every song. Now, I’m starting to make my own music/songs on Guitar and Piano.
I am getting more and more intresting and serious about this “famous-world”.
I have doing modeling before so I know how to smile in front of an camera, I know how to sing in front of a microphone AND know how to play a piano.
If I like and really want to become a Disney Channel Actress, I will do anything to make this dream come true. As soon as i get the chance..
Kiss and Hug!
Julie 😆
Rosa Rivas-Cortez
February 27, 2010 at 9:09 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I watch Disney channel everyday and everyday I imagine myself on it. I really would love to be on Disney. I am 14 going on to 15 in 5 months but i look like I am only 12 years old. I was born on July 15 1995. I think this could a great thing to play a very young role but being very mature at the job. I live in Reading PA and I am Salvadorian. I would be more than glad to play a role in Disney Channel. I hope I can get a chance…!
Sesen
March 29, 2010 at 3:38 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
😳 i always wanted to be a diney star.im 8 years old.i used to take singing lessons when i was seven.being a disny star was the first thing that was on my mind in life. plese email me!i would do anything!!!i live in california.ive been all around california.ive even been to hollywood!!!lots of my friends saw serleberties.like victoria justic.or miely cyrus.plese help me to become a disny channel star. 😆 😮 😉
Mwazo
April 3, 2010 at 2:17 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hey, i really am trying to get into the acting business and already know i would love to work in the sag industry, since most major productions are in this region. I am 13 years old going to 14 on July. I have taken acting classes when i was younger and i need to know what agency would be best and if an agent would help me reach my goal as an actress.
rebeka josil
April 26, 2010 at 2:37 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi am 11 years old am a great singer and a great actor i always wanted to be in disney if u want to see me act or sing i will sent a video
Sarah A.
May 29, 2010 at 6:12 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi, my name is Sarah .I am 12 about to turn 13 in august, I have always wanted to become an actor / singer but I don’t know what agency will help me achieve that, please e-mail me about this, I will do anything just to act/sing
-love always
Sarah 🙄
Sarah A.
May 29, 2010 at 6:13 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi, my name is Sarah .I live in the u.s.a .Texas, Pearland.I am 12 about to turn 13 in august, I have always wanted to become an actor / singer but I don’t know what agency will help me achieve that, please e-mail me about this, I will do anything just to act/sing
-love always
Sarah 🙄
chole
June 21, 2010 at 1:07 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi, my name is amy i am 11. I do not have an agent but i dont know how get so amybe you could help, but anyways i am a big fan of disney channel and i want to become a actress. I have been on other websites and they do say that it would be better if you had a insterment, so that is a good this cuz i play the guatir
Vanessa
June 26, 2010 at 8:26 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
i love disney channel it is my heart and soul and i have taken one acting class been in choir and is 11 years of age. i would love to be on disney channel i am not shy,and do not have an agent. i am also very mature and smart 😆
Megan
July 2, 2010 at 12:53 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
omg my dream is to act iv stared in school plays and all kinds of things if i could become a professional acter that would be amazing everything i ever wanted im 11 years o9ld and a big fan of disney channel every thing i ever dreamed of lyes far in the future but i would love it so much if my early acting carreer could begin early i take quizes on facebook and all i know i know im to young but every one has one anyways it was called what will your jb be and i got acter isnt that weird yea and so i was all phsyed and every thing like that i asked my mom if i ould inroll in this disney channel thing and she said no because i didnt have a cance and who says that youll never make it dont stop beleiveing is what my dad said he past away a couple of years ago and iv always rememberd what he told me and treched me to do be hopeful,never give up,keep trying,and keep dreaming thats the most wonderful words and lesson iv ever heard and so till this day i still remember and still proseced in what he told me to do and i know someday ill finally become what iv always wanted to do and to all u kids out there that want to be something that u dont realy think will ever happen keep hopeing dreaming and believinh and it will not always turn out perfect but u will have a great life.
Maggie
July 5, 2010 at 3:17 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I just turned thirteen a month ago and I have always dreamed of being a famous actress. I love doing school plays every season they have one. I’m pretty sure I’m not going to get an agent to do this so I am going to need some help. E-mail me if you can. 😆
Sara K.
July 11, 2010 at 4:10 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
😮 i hav a disney addition next saturday i really hope i get a part, any part! 🙂
Jessica
July 11, 2010 at 11:36 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
um, hello my name is jessica, and i know that being an actress isnt the most sweetest peice of pie at first, your going to be going going going, and working working working, but acting has been my dream from sence i was just 4 years old. i love acting and i would also love being on disney channel, i want to hear the crowd calling my name, i want fans, and i want me to be seen by people as a sombody, and not just a nobody. so please just give me one chance, one opertunity, and i promise i wont let you down. 🙄 😳 🙄
ana
July 26, 2010 at 10:21 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
i want to be an actress so my mom is taking me to Miami to get some additions do as i do trust in Miami you could become a star if you now spanish
angelica
August 7, 2010 at 7:04 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
im 11 but my mom would never let us got to places like that but.i can still wish any ways thanks for the info but i wont work.
angelica
August 7, 2010 at 7:05 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
but email me for adittions just in cas
jasmin
September 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I would love to be an actress on Disney channel its always bin my dream to be on t.v but yet i keep on dreaming because my dream was not come true but i hope it soon will am 14 years old and i dream that sometime all be acting on t.v because i would love to have fans screaming my name am sure that would feel great email me for any auditions i have love to go, and know it must be pretty hard but am a fast learner and i don’t give up easily 😮 😎 😀
jasmin
September 18, 2010 at 1:10 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I would be so thankful 😀 😉 🙂 😮 😀 😎
Meghan
October 6, 2010 at 6:42 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
My Name Is Meghan I Am 13 Years Old. I Like In Canada, Saskatchewan. Its Been A Fairly BIG Dream Of Mine To Become A Disney Channel Actress Ever Since I Was Little. I Can Dance And Sing Aswell. The Only Glitch In My Dream Is That I Dont Have An Agent And I Dont Know How To Get One! If You Could PLEASE E-mail Me Back It Would Mean The World To Me! I Know You Probably Get A Lot Of Girls That Say That But Its 100% True For Me! So Please Please Please E-mail Me Back!!!
Aania C.
November 5, 2010 at 5:47 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
My dream is to be on t.v. and have my name in lights . I love to sing and i love to act . I have a very positive attitude so please send me a message back and help me put my drem in action .Thank you . 😀 🙂 😉
Aania C.
November 5, 2010 at 5:50 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
i’m only 11 years old and people tell me that i’m too smart to be an actress . they tell me that i’m too young but this is what i really want to do . And i’m very determined to go after what i want .
Tellecia
November 25, 2010 at 11:47 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
HI MY NAME IS TELLECIA IM 13 YEARS OLD AND I WANT TO BE A STAR ON DISNEY CHANNEL SOOO BAD BUT I LIVE IN SUCH A LITTLE TOWN I DONT THINK THATS ONE OF MY CHOICES BUT I WOULD LOVE TO TRY AND I ALWAYS WONDER HOW CAN I EVER BE AN ACTRESS ON DISNEY CHANNEL AND IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE FOR ME I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN IN GEORGIA CALLED DARIEN NO ONE IS REALLY SUCCESSFUL HERE BUT I REALLY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFRENCE IN MY COMMUNITY MY FAMILY IS NOT REALLY FROM HERE THERE REALLY FROM KEY WEST FL AND ELEUTHERA BAHAMAS IF YOU COULD PLZ EMAIL ME AND TELL ABOUT ANYTHING THATS OPEN I WILL BE VERY GREATFUL
THANK YOU!
Aziza
December 5, 2010 at 8:41 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi,my name is Aziza and i am 9 years old.I live in Brooklyn,New York.I asked my mom to get an agent but she didnt even know what an agent was lol.I want to be an actress for tons of resons.My first reason is acting is my 2nd favorite thing to do.my first favorite thing to do is sing.My second reason is i have been acting when i was 5.One time me and my friend made a comedy movie in her camera but we dont see eachother anymore because its like she has bad luck everytime i go to her house i get hurt.The funny thing was i pretended that my stomach and my bones hurted so i could go home.And sometimes that works.When it was snowing me and my friend mikky was building a fort with snow then i accedentilly hit her with a shovel.This is weird to say but sometimes i cry for no reason.When i feel like crying i cry.If you think that im a boy im not.Im a girl.Sometimes i pretend to laugh when my friends tells jokes.It really isnt funny. 😳 i broke the vase. 😥 im scared.lol just kidding.Dancing is my 3rd favorite thing to do.When ever i hear music i dance to the music.But when im tired of dancing i sing.Its a weird thing that i neer got a papercut.Its a good thing that i could sing really really long.I kinda hate eating.Acting,Singing,and dancing are the only things i wanna do.Its a weird thing that on my report card i never got a 1 or a 2.Exept in 1st and 2nd grade because i didnt know english.I never gave up my dream.So i know i really talk a lot.I will stop talking now.Can you please email me any auditions that is open.Thanks.Oops i talked.my mouth is zipped now.
Aziza
December 5, 2010 at 8:46 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi its me again,everytime i asked my mom questions.Me:Mom can i be famous and audition for disney channel?Mom:Of course.Me:But that means u wont see me again.Mom:You could visit.Me:oh yeh.Me:thanks mom.Me:You always support me all the time.
Selena
January 4, 2011 at 5:55 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi my name is Selena I don’t think I will be able to get an agent but is there any other way??please email me back 🙁
ciera
January 9, 2011 at 9:42 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hellow my name is Ciera and i have been dreaming of becoming a Disney Channel star i watch the shows on Disney Channel everyday wishing and praying that i could become a star.If i became a Disney star i would feel like it was the gift god gave me so please i can act on the spot sad happy angry you name it i am willing to do anything.I promise that if you pick me you will not be dissapointed and i am 12 years old so please this has been my dream.please email me i promise you won’t be dissapointed.
ciera
January 9, 2011 at 9:54 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi this is ciera again i have been thinking about being a disney star i realized that the only thing i want in the world is becoming a disney channel star and my favorite show is shake it up on disney channel they inspire me and i feel like i can act as good as them.I just wish you can pick me because people always doubt me and it doesn’t hurt me because i belive in myself and i belive that i can do what others say i can’t because i have what most people dont COURAGE the courage to belive in myself and i swear if you pick me it will be the best choice you have made and i am not shy i am very out going so please everyday i pray that i get picked because i never knew what it felt like to be known or famouse and every time i think about it i wanna cry i just hope you can pick me that’s all i ever wanted so please this is all i want i swear you wont be dissapointed with me so bye.
joy
January 9, 2011 at 11:41 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
my name is joy i really want to be and actress can u plaease help me ge on 🙁 and im a very a good singer sing in a coier My age is 11
katherine
February 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I’m Katherine and love disney channel 😛 😉 😀 😎 !!!I’m awsome,fun,crazy,unique,wierd,funny,playful,cute,and you wont say no to me 😎 😀 😆 😮 😛 🙄 🙂 😉 .im a great dancer and wonderful actress i live in Florida and have been in tons of singing,dancing,and acting events!!!Please email me it’s always been my dream and i know Justin Bieber,and Usher!!! 😎 ❗ Bye and have a lovely day!!!
Anonymous
February 9, 2011 at 7:37 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi. I’m thirteen years old and I really want to be a singer/actress. I have been writing songs (just the lyrics) for the past couple years and I really want to be a singer/actress. I love singing and acting even though i only did a little acting at a camp I went to. I want to be a singer/actress because it’s something that i really enjoy and I want to keep doing it for the rest of my life. One problem is, my parents don’t support me as much as I would like. They don’t think acting/singing is a stable job and they would rather me have a good, stable profession that pays well but they don’t understand that I want to be a singer and an actress. Every single day, I think about it and I think about music and I shouldn’t give up on something I can’t go a day without thinking about. I know that if my parents see how much fun and how good I am, they will help me but i live in a really small town and there aren’t many opportunities here. Please help me. It would be a dream come true.
simran
March 3, 2011 at 2:08 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hey so im simran i was wondering if i could get a audition without an agen because im not sure if i can get one.but i really wanna be on disney channel.plz e mail me back.thanks!
Maggie
March 10, 2011 at 7:31 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Ok…I want to be an actress too. In fact i have grown up with them. 😉 all that but who exactly are you asking for help from?????? 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 ❓
Anakay
March 11, 2011 at 5:03 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi my name is anakay and i know this is what everyone else has been saying but i really want to act on disney channel im 14 and i am a very talented singer dancer and actress ive been acting since i was little and have written my own songs and choerographed many dances to popular singers songs people say i have what it takes to make it big my problem is just how to get there please help me follow my dream by emailing me back thanks alot 😛
makiya
March 13, 2011 at 2:42 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hii my name is makiya i can sing and act and i really would love to be on a disney channel show movie or anything i wouldnt want to just do this for fame nor but because it is my drean also i would be a good employee i mean i would be very good like if your were to say jump then dog gonnit im gonna say how high i wouldt be demanding more then i all ready have also i wanna do this because it dream since i was 4 years and im 12 now also because when my family gets old i dont want to have to worry about them being sick or homeless because they will have everything they need because even at such a young age i think family shall come first will always be my modo so please find it in your heart to plaese email me back please….!!!!!!<3 <3 <3 i love you disney channemy love for disney channel was *est.6-16-98* 😉 😉 😉 😉 😉 😉 💡 ❗ 😆 🙄 😎
briana
March 15, 2011 at 5:52 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
hi i’m briana and i would love to be a actress. i have been dancing for 12 years and would love to dance and act if i need to. please email me if you need more information
antonnasia tatum
March 30, 2011 at 5:08 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi my name is antonnasia tatum and im 10 turning 11 in may and also my life long dream is to become an actress and something funny is that I’m already making plays and skits if I ever be an actress I going to be excited and something about me is I’m African American and I really would be happy if I can act.
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How Do You Become a Disney Channel Actress? | Your Young Actor
March 25, 2009 at 8:03 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
[…] child chase after every Disney opportunity you hear about (see more discussion on this topic in How Do You Get Auditions for Disney Channel). But truthfully, the time you and your young actor spend doing those things could be better […]